Apparatus for use in exercising

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means for engaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a first position towards a second position.

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for use in exercising.

[0002] Blood flows under pressure from the heart down the legs viaseveral arteries and returns to the heart from the lower limbs via twomain vein types, deep and superficial, where the superficial veinsgenerally act as tributaries to the deep veins. Blood is returned to theheart along the veins by a muscle pump action. An example of such amuscle pump action is the contraction of a calf muscle which constrictsthe deep veins in and around the calf muscle and forces blood to moveaway from the area of constriction along the veins. Veins contain valveswhich ensure that all blood flow that results from a muscle pump actionis directed towards the heart.

[0003] When the body is in an upright stationary position for extendedperiods muscle pump action is substantially reduced and as a resultgravity tends to pool blood in the lower regions of the body.

[0004] In general, blood has a tendency to clot when it slows or stopsand the mentioned pooling of blood in the lower limbs creates anenvironment conducive of clotting. If a blood clot, also known as athrombosis, forms in the described manner and dislodges from a lowerregion of the body, it will travel along the veins back towards theheart. A dislodged thrombosis, known as an embolus, will then enter theright hand side of the heart and will be pumped from the heart to thelungs via the pulmonary artery. The diameter of the veins on which theembolus travels, as it moves towards the heart from the lower regions ofthe body, increases as the embolus approaches the heart and, as aresult, the rate at which the embolus travels along the veins increasesuntil it reaches the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery feeds bloodfrom the right hand side of the heart into the lungs via numerous bloodvessels. The diameter of each of these blood vessels is substantiallyless than the diameter of the pulmonary artery and as a result theembolus stops or slows as it attempts to flow into one or more of them.An embolus that stops or slows in the pulmonary artery effectivelyblocks or slows the rate at which these blood vessels take blood fromthe pulmonary artery to the lungs. Such an embolus is known as apulmonary embolism.

[0005] Since the amount of blood flowing into the lungs has beenreduced, due to the presence of the pulmonary embolism, the amount bloodreturning to the heart from the lungs is also reduced. Further, thepulmonary artery has a reduced capacity to distribute blood to the lungsand the right hand side of the heart continues to pump blood into thepulmonary artery, therefore, a build up of blood generally occursstemming back from the pulmonary artery the heart.

[0006] Generally, a pulmonary embolism subjects a heart to stress and insome cases this stress can cause heart failure.

[0007] Individuals tend to remain in upright stationary positions forextended periods when travelling in vehicles for long distances. Whentravelling on an aeroplane, for example, a passenger may remain in aseated position for several hours with little to no movement of thelegs. Space on board aeroplanes is generally very limited and,accordingly, there is little opportunity to exercise the leg muscles tothereby effect the above described muscle pump action in the lowerlimbs.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention there is provided, anapparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the footof one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means for engaging isadapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot moves from a firstposition towards a second position.

[0009] Preferably, said means for engaging is also adapted to engage aportion of said leg above the knee of said leg.

[0010] Preferably, said means for engaging is in the form of an endlessloop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop beingpositionable beneath the user's foot and above the knee of said leg.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is also providedexercising apparatus including elastic means positionable to extend frombeneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg abovethe knee and being elastically deformable so that, when so positioned,the user may exercise by repetitive downward pivotal movement of thefoot about the ankle joint alternating with upward pivotal movementunder the influence of the elastic means.

[0012] Preferably, said elastic means is in the form of an endless loop.

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, there is also providedapparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the footof one leg of a user of the apparatus and a second portion of said leg,wherein the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the footpivots about a respective ankle from a first position towards a secondposition.

[0014] Preferably, said foot is in said first position when the heel ofthe foot is substantially in contact with a surface and when the ball ofsaid foot is elevated above the surface and the foot moves from thefirst position towards the second position as the foot pivots and theball of the foot moves towards the surface.

[0015] Preferably, the means for engaging is in the form of an endlessloop that is at least partially elastically deformable, said loop beingpositionable beneath the foot of the user and said second portion ofsaid leg.

[0016] In accordance with the present invention, there is also providedan apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging thefoot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the meansfor engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a firstposition towards a second position and the means for engagingsubstantially prevents movement of the foot with respect to the meansfor engaging.

[0017] Preferably, the means for engaging at least partially receivesthe foot of the user.

[0018] Preferably, the foot moves from the first position towards thesecond position as the foot substantially pivots about a respectiveankle joint.

[0019] Preferably, the means for engaging includes an endless loop,wherein the endless loop is at least partially elastically deformableand is positionable above the knee of said leg.

[0020] Preferably, the means for engaging includes a foot piece.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, there is also providedan apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging thefoot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the meansfor engaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a firstposition towards a second position and the means for engaging includes astrap to substantially prevent movement of the foot with respect to themeans for engaging.

[0022] Preferably, 1said strap is formed first and second strips, thestrips being positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of theuser to thereby substantially prevent movement of the foot with respectto the means for engaging.

[0023] Preferably, the strips are at least partially elasticallydeformable and are thereby positionable for mutual engagement over thefoot of the user.

[0024] Preferably, the endless loop includes a handle, the handle beinggraspable by the user to thereby hold a portion of the endless loop in aposition above the knee of said leg.

[0025] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provideda method of exercising using an apparatus including an elastic meanswhich is at least partially elastically defornable, including the stepsof:

[0026] positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the footof one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee;and

[0027] alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the footbetween first and second positions under the influence of the elasticmeans.

[0028] Preferably, the elastic means is an at least partiallyelastically deformable endless loop.

[0029] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provideda method of preventing deep vein thrombosis by administering to a personan apparatus in accordance with the above-described apparatus.

[0030] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provideda method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of anapparatus, the apparatus including an elastic means which is at leastpartially elastically deformable, including the steps of:

[0031] positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the footof one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee;and

[0032] alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the footbetween first and second positions under the influence of the elasticmeans.

[0033] Preferably, the elastic means is an at least partiallyelastically deformable endless loop.

[0034] In accordance with the present invention, there is also provideda method of effecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of anapparatus in accordance with the above-described apparatus, includingthe steps of:

[0035] positioning the apparatus so that it extends beneath the foot ofone leg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; and

[0036] alternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the footbetween first and second positions under the influence of the elasticmeans.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0038]FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus in accordance with theinvention, arranged in one condition for use;

[0039]FIG. 2 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,but showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in use;

[0040]FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0041]FIG. 4 is a side view of another apparatus in accordance with theinvention, arranged in one condition for use;

[0042]FIG. 5 is a further side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4,showing the apparatus in a different condition occurring in use;

[0043]FIG. 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0044]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an apparatus inaccordance with the invention, arranged in one condition;

[0045]FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 7,showing the apparatus arranged in a different condition; and

[0046]FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of FIGS. 7and 8 arranged in one condition of use.

[0047]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus of FIGS.7, 8 and 9 arranged in a further condition of use.

[0048] An apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 includes anelastically deformable endless loop 12 and a belt 14. The endless loop12 includes a plate 18 secured to a first portion 20 of the endless loop12. The plate 18 is arranged to underlay engage a foot 22 of one leg 30of a user 16 of the apparatus.

[0049] The belt 14 is attached to the endless loop 12 at second andthird portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 by velcro hook and loopcontacts. However, the belt 14 may be secured to the endless loop 12 byany suitable means. The belt is used to secure an upper portion of theapparatus to the user 16.

[0050] A user 16 may operate the apparatus 10 from a seated position. Inthis case, the user 16 fits the apparatus 10 to the leg 30 of their bodybefore commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus, the user positionsthe plate 18 under a respective foot 22 and stretches the elasticallydeformable endless loop 12 over a thigh portion 28 of the correspondingleg 30. The belt 14 is secured around the user's waist 32 and preventssecond and third portions 24, 26 of the endless loop 12 from slippingdown the user's thigh 28.

[0051] The user 16, being in a seated position with their foot 22 in afirst position 34, moves their foot 22 towards a second position 36 bypivoting the foot 22 about an ankle joint 38 of the foot 22. As thisaction is executed by the user 16, the elastically deformable endlessloop 12 bears against the user's foot 22 via the plate 18 and therebyretards the movement of the foot 22. Accordingly, the amount of workrequired to move the foot 22 from the first position 34 towards thesecond position 36 is increased. This movement effects a muscle pumpaction in the leg 30.

[0052] The user 16, at some point during the movement of the foot 22towards the second position 36, stops moving the foot 22 towards thesecond position 36 and begins to move the foot 22 back towards the firstposition 34 by pivoting the foot 22 about the user's ankle joint 38. Asthis action is executed by the user 16 of the apparatus 10, theelastically deformable endless loop 12 bears against the user's foot 22via the plate 18 to thereby assist in moving the foot 22 back towardsthe first position 34.

[0053] The user's foot 22 is in the first position 34 when the heel 40of the user's foot 22 is in contact with the ground, or floor surface,and the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 is elevated from the ground. Theuser's foot 22 is in the second position 36 when the heel 40 of theuser's foot is in contact with the ground and the ball 42 of the user'sfoot 22 is also in contact with the ground.

[0054] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the user's foot 22is in the first position when the heel 40 is closer to the ground orfloor surface than the ball 42 and the user's foot 22 is in the secondposition when the ball 42 of the user's foot 22 approaches the ground orfloor surface.

[0055] Repeating the above described actions using the apparatus 10 foran extended period increases the muscle pump action activity in the leg30 being exercised.

[0056] In one example of the invention, the belt 14 is permanentlyattached to the endless loop 12 and the belt 14 includes an adjustable“snap lock” clip. The adjustable “snap lock” clip has first and secondparts, where the first part is adapted to receive the second part andsecure the second part therein. The belt 14 is fitted to the user 16 ofthe apparatus 10 by arranging the belt 14 around the user's waist 32 andengaging the first and second parts of the “snap lock” clip. Theadjustable “snap “lock” clip can also be used to alter the length of thebelt 14 in order to best fit the user 16.

[0057] In a further example of the invention, the endless loop includesa “snap lock” clip that is used to fit the endless loop around theuser's foot 22 and thigh 28 by engaging the male and female parts of the“snap lock” clip. In this example of the invention, the “snap lock” clipis also used to alter the length of the endless loop 12 in order to bestfit the user 16.

[0058] Accordingly, the length of the endless loop 12 as presentedbetween the foot 22 and thigh 28 of a user 16 can be varied.

[0059] In yet another example of the invention, the elasticallydeformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being generallyparallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic material. Inthis example of the invention, corresponding adjacent ends of the twoparallel sides are bridged by elastic material, adapted to engage theuser's foot 22 and the user's thigh 28.

[0060] In yet another example of the invention, the elasticallydeformable endless loop 12 includes two parallel sides, being generallyparallel to the user's leg 30, formed from an inelastic material. Inthis example of the invention, one of the adjacent ends of the twoparallel sides is ridged by elastic material adapted to engage theuser's foot and another one the adjacent ends of the parallel sides, isbridged by an inelastic material adapted to engage the user's thigh 28.

[0061] An apparatus 50 shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 includes an elasticallydeformable endless loop 52, a handle 54 and a foot piece 56. The handle54 is sewn to a first section 57 of the endless loop 52 and is arrangedso that, in use, a user 58 may grasp the handle 54 and thereby controlmovement of the first section 57 with respect to a corresponding leg ofthe user 58. Alternatively, the handle 54 may be secured to the endlessloop 52 by a vulcanisation process or by any other any suitable means.

[0062] The foot piece 56 is secured to a second section of the endlessloop 52 and is arranged to receive a front portion of a foot 60 of theuser 58. The second section of the endless loop 52 opposes theabove-mentioned first section when the endless loop 52 is in use. A soleportion of the foot piece 56 is secured to the endless loop 52 by asuitable adhesive. Alternatively, the foot piece 56 may be secured tothe endless loop 52 by any suitable means. In use, the foot piece 56substantially prevents movement of the foot 60 with respect to thesecond section of the endless loop 52.

[0063] A user 58 may operate the apparatus 50 from a seated position. Inthis case, the user 58 first fits the apparatus to a leg 62 of theirbody before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus 50, the user 58inserts his/her foot 60 into the foot piece 56 and stretches the firstsection of the endless loop 52 over a thigh portion 66 of thecorresponding leg 62. The user 58 grasps the handle 54 in either one ortwo hands and is ready to commence exercising.

[0064] The user 58, with their foot 60 in a first position 68, movestheir foot 60 towards a second position 70 by pivoting their foot 60about a corresponding ankle joint 72. In doing so, the foot 60 extendsaway from a shin 74 portion of the leg 62. As this action is executed,the endless loop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via the foot piece56, and thereby retards the movement of the foot 60. The endless loop,when used in the described manner, increases the work required by therelevant muscle groups of the user's leg, 62 to move the foot 60 fromthe first position 68 towards the second position 70.

[0065] At some point during the described action, the user 58momentarily stops moving the foot 60 and moves the foot 60 back towardsthe first position 68 by pivoting their foot 60 about the correspondingankle joint 72. As this action is executed by the user 58, the endlessloop 52 bears against the user's foot 60, via the foot piece 56, andforces the foot 60 back towards the first position 68.

[0066] Alternately moving the foot 60 between the first and secondpositions 68, 70, effects a muscle pump action in the relevant musclegroups of the user's leg 62.

[0067] An upper potion of the foot piece 56 may be secured to an outerperipheral portion of the second section of the endless loop 52, thefoot piece 56 being secured thereto by an adhesive. Alternatively, thefoot piece 56 may be secured to the endless loop 52 using any suitablemeans.

[0068] The foot piece 56 may be coupleable to the endless loop 52 by aconnection device. (not shown) In this case, the sole of the foot pieceincludes a first part of the connection device that is connectable to acorresponding second part secured to the second section of the endlessloop 52. In use, the user 58 fits the foot piece 56 on a respective foot60 and connects the foot piece to endless loop 52 by connecting thefirst and second parts of the connection device. Alternatively, anysuitable method of temporarily securing the foot piece 56 to the endlessloop 52 may be used.

[0069] In one example of the invention, the foot piece 56 is coupleableto the second section of the endless loop 52 and the foot piece 56 is ashoe.

[0070] An apparatus 80 shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 includes an elasticallydeformable endless loop 82, a handle 84 and a strap 86. The handle 84 issewn to a first section 87 of the endless loop 82 and is arranged sothat, in use, a user 88 may grasp the handle 84 and thereby controlmovement of the first section 87 of the endless loop 82 with respect toa corresponding leg of the user 88. Alternatively, the handle 84 may besecured to the endless loop 82 by a vulcanisation process or by anyother any suitable means.

[0071] The strap 86 includes first and second strips 90,92, each havingan end secured to a second section 93 of the endless loop 82. The strips90,92 are designed to be arranged over a user's foot 94 to therebysecure the user's foot 94 between the endless loop 82 and the strap 86.

[0072] In one embodiment of the invention the strips 90,92 includecorresponding hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a user mayposition their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure their foot94 in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98over their foot 94. The hook and loop pieces 96,98 interlock over thefoot 94 to substantially prevent movement of the foot 94 with respect tothe second section 93 of the endless loop 82.

[0073] In further embodiments of the invention, the strips 90,92 areformed of an elastically deformable material. The strips 90,92 aredesigned to stretch over a user's foot 94 to thereby secure the user'sfoot 94 between the endless loop and the strap 86. Preferably, thestrips 90,92 include hook and loop velcro pieces 96,98, so that a usermay position their foot 94 inside the endless loop 82 and secure theirfoot in that position by overlapping the hook and loop velcro pieces96,98. In use, the elastically deformable strips 90,92 substantiallyprevents movement of the foot 94 with respect to the second section 93of the endless loop 82 and the elastically deformable strips 90,92permits the strap 86 to be arranged over the user's footwear.

[0074] A user 88 may operate the apparatus 80 from a seated position. Inthis case, the user 88 first fits the apparatus to a leg 99 of theirbody before commencing exercising. To fit the apparatus 80, the user 88inserts his/her foot 94 between the endless loop 82 and the strap 86 andsecures their foot 94 in that position by arranging the strap 86securely over their foot 94. The user 88 then stretches the firstsection 87 of the endless loop 82 over a thigh portion 100 of thecorresponding leg 96. The user 88 grasps the handle 84 in either one ortwo hands and is ready to commence exercising.

[0075] The user 88, with their foot 94 in a first position 102, movestheir foot 94 towards a second position 104 by pivoting their foot 94about a corresponding ankle joint 106. In doing so, the foot 94 extendsaway from a shin portion 108 of the leg 99. As this action is executed,the endless loop 82 bears against the user's foot 94 and thereby retardsthe movement of the foot 94. The endless loop 82, when used in thedescribed manner, increases the work required by the relevant musclegroups of the user's leg 99 to move the foot 94 from the first position102 towards the second position 104.

[0076] At some point during the described movement, the user 88momentarily stops moving the foot 94 towards the second position 104 andmoves the foot 94 back towards the first position 102 by pivoting theirfoot 94 about the corresponding ankle joint 106. As this action isexecuted by the user 88, the endless loop 82 bears against the user'sfoot 94 and forces the foot 94 back towards the first position 102.

[0077] Alternately moving the foot 94 between the first and secondpositions 102,104, as described, effects a muscle pump action in therelevant muscle groups of the user's leg 99.

[0078] Embodiments of the invention have been described by way ofreference to a user in a seated position. However, the embodiments ofthe invention may be applicable to a user in any suitable exerciseposition.

[0079] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the endless loop12,52,82 is formed in sections. In further embodiments of the invention,the endless loop 12,52,82 is formed in sections, where the sectionsinclude elastically deformable material and inelastic material.

1. Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging thefoot of one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein the means forengaging is adapted to retard movement of the foot as the foot movesfrom a first position towards a second position.
 2. The apparatusclaimed in claim 1, wherein said means for engaging is also adapted toengage a portion of said leg above the knee of said leg.
 3. Theapparatus claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said means for engagingis in the form of an endless loop that is at least partially elasticallydeformable, said loop being positionable beneath the user's foot andabove the knee of said leg.
 4. The apparatus claimed in any one of thepreceding claims 1, wherein the means for engaging the foot includes afoot pedal for engaging an underside of the foot.
 5. Exercisingapparatus including elastic means positionable to extend from beneaththe foot of one leg of a user to a position on that leg above the kneeand being elastically deformable so that, when so positioned, the usermay exercise by repetitive downward pivotal movement of the foot aboutthe ankle joint alternating with upward pivotal movement under theinfluence of the elastic means.
 6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5,wherein said elastic means is in the form of an endless loop.
 7. Theapparatus claimed in any one of claims 3 and 6, wherein the endless loopis adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of the endless loop. 8.The apparatus claimed in any one claim 2 to 7, wherein the apparatusincludes a belt, the belt being positionable around the waist of theuser to thereby prevent a portion of the apparatus from moving withrespect to the knee.
 9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8, wherein thebelt is adjustable to permit adjustment of the length of the belt. 10.Apparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the footof one leg of a user of the apparatus and a second portion of said leg,wherein the means for engaging retards movement of the foot as the footpivots about a respective ankle from a first position towards a secondposition.
 11. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein said foot is insaid first position when the heel of the foot is substantially incontact with a surface and when the ball of said foot is elevated abovethe surface and the foot moves from the first position towards thesecond position as the foot pivots and the ball of the foot movestowards the surface.
 12. The apparatus claimed in claim 10 or claim 11,wherein the means for engaging is in the form of an endless loop that isat least partially elastically deformable, said loop being positionablebeneath the foot of the user and said second portion of said leg.
 13. Anapparatus for use in exercising, including means for engaging the footof one leg of a user of the apparatus, wherein, in use, the means forengaging retards movement of the foot as the foot moves from a firstposition towards a second position and the means for engagingsubstantially prevents movement of the foot with respect to the meansfor engaging.
 14. An apparatus claimed in claim 13, wherein the meansfor engaging at least partially receives the foot of the user.
 15. Anapparatus claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the foot moves fromthe first position towards the second position as the foot substantiallypivots about a respective ankle joint.
 16. An apparatus as claimed inany one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the means for engaging includes anendless loop, wherein the endless loop is at least partially elasticallydeformable and is positionable above the knee of said leg.
 17. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the means for engagingincludes a foot piece.
 18. An apparatus for use in exercising, includingmeans for engaging the foot of one leg of a user of the apparatus,wherein, in use, the means for engaging retards movement of the foot asthe foot moves from a first position towards a second position and themeans for engaging includes a strap to substantially prevent movement ofthe foot with respect to the means for engaging.
 19. An apparatusclaimed in claim 18, wherein said strap is formed first and secondstrips, the strips being positionable for mutual engagement over thefoot of the user to thereby substantially prevent movement of the footwith respect to the means for engaging.
 20. An apparatus claimed inclaim 19, wherein the strips are at least partially elasticallydeformable and are thereby positionable for mutual engagement over thefoot of the user.
 21. An apparatus claimed in claim 19 or claim 20,wherein the first and second strips include corresponding hook and loopvelcro portions positionable for mutual engagement over the foot of theuser.
 22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3, 4, 6, 7, 12,16, 17, and 20, wherein the endless loop includes a handle, the handlebeing graspable by the user to thereby hold a portion of the endlessloop in a position above the knee of said leg.
 23. A method ofexercising using an apparatus including an elastic means which is atleast partially elastically deformable, including the steps of:positioning the elastic means so that it extends beneath the foot of oneleg of a user to a position on that leg above the user's knee; andalternately pivoting the foot about the ankle joint of the foot betweenfirst and second positions under the influence of the elastic means. 24.A method claimed in claim 23, wherein the elastic means is an at leastpartially elastically deformable endless loop.
 25. A method ofpreventing deep vein thrombosis by administering to a person anapparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
 22. 26. A method ofeffecting a muscle pump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus, theapparatus including an elastic means which is at least partiallyelastically deformable, including the steps of: positioning the elasticmeans so that it extends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to aposition on that leg above the user's knee; and alternately pivoting thefoot about the ankle joint of the foot between first and secondpositions under the influence of the elastic means.
 27. A method claimedin claim 26, wherein the elastic means is an at least partiallyelastically deformable endless loop.
 28. A method of effecting a musclepump action in a leg of a user of an apparatus claimed in any of claims1 to 22, including the steps of: positioning the apparatus so that itextends beneath the foot of one leg of a user to a position on that legabove the user's knee; and alternately pivoting the foot about the anklejoint of the foot between first and second positions under the influenceof the elastic means.